“Take care of my friend, buddy,” Phyllis warned. “I’m an attorney and know all the secrets to making bad men pay.”
Although Ria knew her friend only teased Phoenix, and he laughed, Phyllis always had her back.
After Ria was alone with Phoenix, she wrapped her arms around her waist, feeling some of the nerves returning. “Oh no, I forgot to put on my necklace.”
“Do you have it?”
“It’s on the dresser in the bedroom.”
“Stay put and I’ll go grab it.”
A moment later she felt him come up behind her. “Hold your hair up.” His body brushed hers as he brought the necklace around her neck, his fingers caressing her sensitive skin as he put the locket into place. “There you go.” His warm breath swept across the nape of her neck and he didn’t move. He was quite a bit taller than her and she found herself naturally leaning against his broad chest, soaking up warmth and closeness. She didn’t dare give in to her body’s urgency to turn and kiss him. Although he made her feel comfortable, she had lost a lot of her spunk along with her sight. It was time she built some of the confidence back. Nothing ventured was nothing gained.
“Are you ready to knock the socks off your ex?” he asked in a raspy tone.
“I’m not sure that’s possible, but I’m ready to find closure. I’ve been looking for it for some time now.”
“Well, I’m here with you, for you. You’ll find I’m a good boyfriend.”
“Oh, so we’ve gone from pretend dating to boyfriend now?” she teased, but she liked the sound of “boyfriend”.
“I’m thinking if we really want to drive the ex jealous, we need to make him believe that you’ve moved on completely.”
“Okay.” Who’d argue with that? “Let me grab my purse and wrap from the couch.”
“Let me. I’m right here.” He handed the items to her. “Come, darlin’. Let’s make this a night to remember.”
CHAPTER 10
“WE DIDN’T HAVE to come to the reception if you didn’t want to,” Phoenix whispered in Ria’s ear when he returned with her glass of white wine. “There are a lot of stuffy people here.”
She laughed. “Imagine how I felt at family gatherings,” she said in a lowered voice. “I’m fine with being here. Really, I am. Tell me what you see.”
Phoenix scanned the elaborate decorations of the museum hall. “You really want to know?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Well, bear with me as I give you a layman’s description. To your right there is a woman wearing a fox around her neck. She’s pretty.”
“The woman?” She sipped her wine.
“No, the fox. The woman is hideous.”
She laughed so hard she choked. Finally, under control, she leaned in. “Thank you for that, but I was referring to the décor.”
“To your right there are ice sculptures with a champagne fountain. A string quartet is set up with a rose background. To your left there is an arrangement of tables with finger foods and a sundae bar. Ah, and a bruschetta bar.”
“How are the tables decorated?”
“White table cloths. Vases full of colorful flowers. Lit candles. Caged doves are set up randomly.”
“Sounds very tacky,” she said in a drone tone.
“Yes, very.”
She sighed heavily. “Not even romantic. What were they thinking?”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
“Why are you apologizing? You’re here supporting me and I’m grateful. I couldn’t have done this alone.”
“If you were the bride it wouldn’t matter where you were married or what decorations you chose. All eyes would be on your beauty and nothing else.”
The temperature went from comfortable to scorching. “Did you take a course?”
“On what?”
“How to turn a girl inside out.” She downed her wine.
“Be careful there, sweetheart. I have fancy shoes on tonight.” He laughed.
“Very funny. I had the flu. Anyone can throw up when they have a virus.”
She felt his body lean close, his fingers caressed her neck and his breath brushed her cheek. “I think you’re fevering now,” he whispered.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she hoped her voice worked. “Is this for Jamie’s sake?” She pressed her palm against Phoenix’s chest, feeling a pearl button under palm.
“I think you’ve made your point to Jamie that he’s old news, but I’m only getting started in proving mine.”
“What is that exactly?” He took the empty glass from her and clutched her hand, kissing her knuckles. She quivered under his affection. “I’m slowly understanding. You’re my boyfriend for the night. Why did Katy ever let you go?”
“In her defense, I never wanted her this much.”
Sweat beaded between her breasts and her toes curled. Both her hands were now pressed against his chest. “Are you curious what it’s like to be with a blind woman?” She chuckled but it fizzled.
“Yes. I am. Very much.”
She loved how he didn’t mince his words. “I must say, I’m a little curious what it’s like to be with a lawman.” Ria slipped her fingers down the buttons of his shirt, not daring to go as far as his belt buckle. “I didn’t think I’d feel this way here tonight, but for some reason I don’t care that my ex married my cousin. I’m glad he is happy. This has made me realize that he and I were together for far too long. After the accident I became his responsibility. A woman never wants to be a man’s obligation.”
“I look back at my marriage to Katy and it was as plain as the paint on the wall that we were two different people. Our book was more of a short story than a novel. I’m looking for a bestseller.”
Ria licked the corner of her mouth and she heard his low growl. “What was she like, Phoenix?”
“Beautiful. Smart. Engaging. Career oriented.”
“All the things you like in a woman.”
“I can’t deny that I enjoy beautiful, smart, engaging women and someone who loves their career, but there needs to be more. There must be a fine balance between a relationship and career, and if there isn’t, well, you see what happened between Katy and me.”
He watched a smile play at the corner of her mouth. She had nice, plump limps and he was curious about what they tasted like. He’d already told her a few times how beautiful she looked so he refrained from telling her again, afraid he might overdo the compliments. He couldn’t help himself, he’d never seen a woman lovelier than she was tonight. Of course, he found her beautiful even when she wasn’t wearing makeup and dressed in jeans, but tonight she came to impress, and Phoenix didn’t much give a damn about anything because he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Could barely contain the need to kiss her. Jamie wasn’t even a priority any longer.
The sleeves of the dress exposed both her silken shoulders and the locket of the necklace was cradled in her delicate collarbones. A sliver of the tops of her breasts were visible, not enough to cause jaws to drop, but enough to show that she was all soft curves. The material was cinched at her waist with a wide belt that accentuated her slender body and flared hips. The hem landed mid-thigh and when she moved it flounced around her toned legs. The black heels had ribbons at her nice ankles. Although the dress wasn’t flashy, it was charming and suited her. She hadn’t brought her cane in with her and he’d made a promise to be by her side all though the night.
“Ria, I’m glad you could come.”
Phoenix turned to see Jamie standing a few feet away, wearing a dark scowl. Ria took a short step and cleared her throat.
“It was a lovely ceremony,” she said.
Feeling protective, Phoenix took her hand and entwined their fingers. “Lovely indeed.”
“Jamie, this is Phoenix Cade.” Ria introduced them.
They shook hands. Jamie’s was a bit clammy and weak and he didn’t seem Ria’s type. Phoenix never rated men on their looks, but he’d guess women found men like Jamie, tall and clean-cut, attra
ctive, yet there was just something about the man that didn’t settle well with Phoenix. Yeah, the man once had his hands on Ria and that was what bothered Phoenix. With no rights to Ria, jealousy was uncalled for.
“Are you two dating?” Jamie asked.
“Yes,”’ Ria answered.
“I owe you a world of gratitude, my man. Your loss is my gain.” Phoenix nuzzled his nose in Ria’s hair. She giggled.
“Yeah, I can see that.” Jamie took a drink from his tumbler. His smile was about as fake as a pleather sofa. “Ria, may I talk to you, alone, for a second?”
Phoenix tightened his grip.
There was a long hesitation and then Ria nodded. “Sure.”
“Are you sure?” he whispered.
“I only want to talk,” Jamie said.
“I’ll be close if you need me.” He watched Jamie lead Ria toward the bruschetta bar. Phoenix gritted his teeth against the unsettling feeling in his chest. He wasn’t jealous, had no reason to be, so then what could be sparking the domineering emotions? Could just be a case of overprotectiveness. Before he could dissect these emotions, a woman swept up next to him. She looked like a commercial for plastic surgery.
“Hello there. We haven’t met. I’m Margaret Fleming, Jamie’s mother.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” He held out his hand, receiving a delicate hand shake in return. The diamond on her finger almost blinded him. “I’m Phoenix Cade.”
“Are you Ria’s new boyfriend?” Margaret was staring at him with a cat-like glare. He couldn’t tell if she disliked him or found him intriguing.
“Yes.”
“I’m so glad the poor girl moved on. My son just wasn’t cut out for taking care of her.”
Phoenix blinked. “Pardon me?”
“Come now. You know what I mean. She’s a wonderful girl, but they had grown apart.”
“Don’t you mean your son cheated and made his bed?”
Her crimson, overinflated lips turned at the corners. “Is that the story she’s telling you? Did she also fill you in on how she and Jamie slept in separate bedrooms after the accident? Her idea.”
“I think the bigger question is how you know that? Seems a bit odd that a grown man discusses his bedroom activity with his mom.”
Aww, he pushed a button because her lips wrinkled. So much for the collagen. “Say what you want, Mr. Cade. Jamie gave up so much to stay home and take care of her.”
“Poor guy, giving up so much for his fiancé who was losing her eyesight. I don’t know why she wasn’t more understanding and didn’t make things easier for your son. Let’s face it, ma’am, your son screwed up when he let the best thing go. That’s okay though. His loss is my gain. Good day, Ms. Fleming.” He tipped his hat and took his exit.
~~~**~~~
“I won’t keep you long, Ria, but I wanted to ask how you’re doing. I read in the newspaper what happened at the studio. I wanted to call, but Mary Beth thought it was best not to.”
She lifted her chin toward Jamie’s voice. “Of course she did. But I’m okay.” She wouldn’t begin to describe how chaotic things had been for her.
“Good. I truly want you to be happy and it seems like you are, besides what happened with the murder.”
“And I want the same for you.”
“Maybe you can forgive me one day.”
She could read the sincerity in his voice. He wasn’t a bad guy. “You did us both a favor. We can be with the person who is truly meant for each of us. I’m sure Mary Beth fits into your life much better that I ever did.”
“Your new guy, he seems like he’s really into you. I thought he was going to crush me when I asked to speak to you.”
“Let’s just say, he has a protective side the size of a football field.”
“I hope you’ll allow him to take care of you, Ria. You always seemed so…”
“Independent?”
“Yes. Even after the accident. I didn’t know how to be the man you needed then. I’m glad you’ve found someone who can be.”
“Thank you.”
“I guess I better get back to Mary Beth, but again, I’m glad you came and are doing well.”
After Jamie stepped away, no time passed before she felt a warm, familiar hand on her elbow. “How about we step outside and get some fresh air? I’ll grab your wrap and purse from the check in,” Phoenix said.
“I’d like that.”
CHAPTER 11
“DO YOU LIKE roses?” Phoenix asked.
“Yes. My favorite is yellow. I can smell them.” Her hand was tucked around his elbow as they walked through the garden outside of where the reception was being held. Although cold outside, the conservatory was warm.
“We’re surrounded by them. Here.” He stopped, took her hand and gently led her fingers to a flower.
Ria touched the velvet-soft petals, imagining how beautiful the flower was while inhaling the wonderful floral scent. “I think I remember what flowers look like. I don’t want to forget. That’s the thing about having sight and then losing it. I have pictures in my head, but it has been so long that I wonder if I’ve created my own images.”
“Would you like to sit on the bench?”
“Yes.” Together they walked over and sat down. “It’s calm here. I used to come here often and read. Sometimes Jamie would come with me. We planned to be married here. Right over by the exotic flowers.” She heard his breath hiss out of his lungs.
“And the bastard ends up having his reception here? What a great guy.”
All this time he was still holding her hand, his thumb caressing her palm, easing any tension from her body. He could relax her with his touch and this was why she found herself wanting to know more about him—what made him tick. He had a way about him that brought wonderment, excitement. “I don’t mind. I thought I would, but I don’t.”
There was something special about the way he protected her. Not in an overbearing way that made her feel helpless like others had over the years, but instead he only navigated her and allowed her to experience things. Her heartbeat raced and her nipples tightened, a natural body response to arousal, but it was more than expected. There was an explosion between them, a chemistry that couldn’t be ignored. Through the wedding ceremony he had kept one hand on the small of her back, or her arm, always staying connected. Even holding her hand at one point and she’d had to remind herself that this was what boyfriends did. There was nothing pretend about the chemistry between them though. The organic feeling nestled into her core and tweaked all her nerve endings into a firestorm.
Once upon a time, she’d been hell bent on taking care of herself, showing no vulnerability, but admittedly, she was glad to have him here with her. It was easy to forget she was a witness to a double homicide and her life was in danger when she had Phoenix close.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“No. It’s nice in here.”
“Would you like another glass of wine? Champagne?”
“Do they have coffee?” Any more alcohol and she might make a blubbering idiot of herself.
“I’ll be right back.”
He was only gone for a few minutes. “Here you go.” He placed the cup in her hand.
“Thank you.” She took a sip. “This is delicious.”
He was quiet for a moment. “I’m in awe of you, Ria. I don’t know how else to put it.”
She chuckled. “In awe of me? Whatever for?”
His thigh brushed hers. “I couldn’t imagine losing my sight. I don’t think most people could, and yet you’ve overcome the hurdle and come out on the other side stronger. You could use the blindness as an excuse to not do anything, but instead you use it as the excuse to keep going. I admire and respect those characteristics.”
“I think I’m blushing.” She lightly laid her fingers on the rim of the cup.
“Whatever it is, it looks beautiful on you.”
“Since we’re being honest, I should tell you that I admire the work you do. Policewo
rk. Such an admirable career. Some wear the badge for prestige, but you wear it because you want to change things. Without your help in all this I don’t know where I’d be.” She took another sip, licking a drop from her bottom lip.
“You’re a fighter. You would have been okay.”
“Before the accident I owned a spa. It was a nice place and things were good, at least where my business was concerned. I had everything I wanted—or thought I wanted. After the accident, my priorities shifted and although I had lost my eyesight, I could see things clearer than I ever had prior. I eventually had to sell the business, but in the end, it wasn’t the worst thing for me. I distanced myself from everyone, even Jamie. I sometimes wondered why I lived? You say you respect my strength, but I wasn’t always this way, not at first. I despised the fact that I was hurt in the accident. One morning I received a call that a friend had lost her child in a car accident. I cried the entire day and when the tears dried, I realized life was too short to live it feeling sorry for myself. I went out alone the next day, apprehensive as I was, and the next, and so on. Unfortunately, when I started standing on my own two feet, my relationship with Jamie fizzled.”
“Do you ever look back and wonder what you saw in him from the beginning?”
“I do. But I was a different person then. I was career oriented, lost in a huge bank account and proving myself to the world. When he came and told me he was no longer in love with me I had felt a sense of relief. Who feels that way? I didn’t want to be the bad person and end it. Not when he was still there after the accident. I’ve never told anyone that, not Kora or Phyllis.”
He laced their fingers, using one finger to trace her thumb. She couldn’t see him but knew he was staring at her, watching her intently. “I’m glad you didn’t marry Jamie.” He breathed in deeply. “I have so many questions, but I don’t want to bombard you.”
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